LOCATION Winnetka, Ill.
COMPANY Mariani Landscape
DETAILS This newly constructed house and the landscape that defines the property is the result of a collaboration between multiple design professionals. Their work all traces back to the client’s vision for thoughtfully connected and purpose-driven areas in a multi-dimensional landscape.
Upon arrival, one is greeted with a formal, center entry drive moved from a previous location at the corner of the lot. A reclaimed antique brick paver driveway lined with flanking perennial beds opens to a courtyard punctuated by a walled garden.
White accoya fencing, hand-crafted gates and custom-forged hardware connect with stone retaining walls throughout. They link the many pathways, gardens and lounge areas, including the lily pond with seating positioned to catch the afternoon sun.
A New York bluestone pathway along the side of the home highlights a bosque of lindens that provide shade to cafe seating adjacent to kitchen and dining areas. Stone wall garden terraces lead down to a perennial bordered backyard.
Beyond the lawn panel and surrounding gardens, steps lead down to a loggia structure and the reimagined pool below. The south pool house received a completely new look, and the old north pool house was converted into an open-air pergola.
“The client’s vision was to create rooms in the landscape for how they live, entertain and connect with nature,” says design principal Sara Furlan. “We collaborated from the very beginning and well before construction began with the client, architect, interior designer and builder. They’re thrilled with the result.”
Mariani Landscape won both a gold award and the Judges’ Award in the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ 2025 Awards of Excellence program.
